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SA-Dakar 2011: UAE-based Team will reach the T2-podium with Toyota Prado.

Abdullah Hamad Al Huraiz and Khalid Al Kindi from the United Arabic Emirates (UAE) set out to represent the country at 2011 South America Dakar. Al Huraiz has put together a team, at his own expense, to fuel a passion that he has had for long.

"This is what I have lived for after starting rallying in the UAE. And now that we are the only entrants from the UAE in South America, we will not stop at anything short of taking a place on the podium," Al Huraiz told the magazine [ gulfnews.com ].

First he wanted to start with three cars in a team, but the team-manager needed a sponsor. "We did find a sponsor but he was finding the budget too steep for all three cars. So finally, we had to give up on the idea of fielding a team and go all alone at my own expenses."

Al Huraiz and Al Kindi will start with a rented Toyota Land Cruiser Prado from the French Lardeau-Team. Their Challenge is high: "A podium finish, nothing less" is interesting. "The next few days are crucial for us. There is so much to be done. We need to really study the route well and then prepare ourselves mentally to give our best for the sake of our team and our country," Abdullah Hamad Al Huraiz added.